Schizoaffective disorder: symptoms, causes, drugs, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What is schizoaffective disorder?

Schizoaffective disorder or schizoaffective disorder is a mental disorder whose symptoms are a combination of schizophrenia and other disorders. mood (eg depression or bipolar disorder).

How common is schizoaffective disorder?

Schizoaffective disorder cases are estimated to account for one-third of cases of schizophrenia. This disorder is more common in women because two-thirds of sufferers are women.

Symptoms

What are the characteristics and symptoms of schizoaffective disorder?

Symptoms of schizoaffective disorder can vary from person to person, and can be mild or severe. The most commonly seen symptoms are:

Depression

• Loss of appetite
• Unintentional weight loss or gain
• Changes in sleep habits (being sleepless or sleeping very long)
• Restless
• Loss of energy
• Losing interest in things that used to be done on a daily basis
• Feeling insignificant and hopeless
• Feelings of guilt or self-blame
• Difficulty thinking and concentrating
• Thinking of death or suicide

Mania

• Looks more active than usual, including at work, in relationships, and sexually
• Talk more and talk faster
• Many thoughts were running through my head
• Don't feel the need to sleep
• Restless, impatient
• Be proud of yourself
• The concentration is broken
• Self-harming / detrimental behavior (squandering money, speeding on the road, engaging in unprotected free sex, etc.)

Schizophrenia

• Delusion (believe in things that are clearly not true, and remain adamant that they are real even though evidence and facts have been shown)
• Hallucinations (seeing / hearing / feeling things that are not real, for example hearing a voice speaking to them)
• Irregular mindset
• Strange or unusual behavior
• Slow body motion
• Facial expressions and speech are flat, not showing any emotion
• Not motivated in life
• Problems in speaking / communicating

There may be symptoms not listed above. Consult your doctor for information about other symptoms.

Cause

What causes schizoaffective disorder?

The cause of schizoaffective disorder is unknown. There may be several contributing factors, such as genetics and variations in brain chemistry and structure.

Triggers

Who is at risk for schizoaffective disorder?

There are several factors that increase your risk of developing schizoaffective disorder, including:

• Having a blood relationship with someone who has schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder
• Dealing with events in your life that are stressful
• Take drugs that disturb your mind (psychoactive or psychotropic)

Diagnosis & treatment

The information below cannot be used as a substitute for a medical consultation. ALWAYS consult your doctor for information about medications.

How do doctors diagnose schizoaffective disorder?

The diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder is made by ensuring that the symptoms experienced are not caused by other mental disorders, are not caused by the use of certain substances or drugs, and are not due to other medical conditions. Typically, the doctor will:

• Physical examination, to eliminate other possible causes, as well as check if there are physical complications.
• Tests to rule out other possible causes, including alcohol and drug testing. The doctor may also perform imaging studies such as an MRI or CT scan.
• Psychic evaluation. The mental health specialist will observe the patient's appearance and behavior, as well as ask questions about thoughts, mood , delusions, hallucinations, drug use, and possibly suicidal thoughts. This includes an in-depth discussion of the patient's and family's life history.

How can you treat schizoaffective disorder?

Treatments for schizoaffective disorder are:

• Medication: The medication prescribed will depend on whether the patient has depression or bipolar disorder, in addition to schizophrenia. The main drugs for psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disturbed thinking patterns, are called antipsychotic drugs. There are many types of antipsychotic drugs available, however paliperidone extended release is the only one that's FDA-approved to treat schizoaffective disorder. For symptoms associated with mood Doctors usually prescribe antidepressants or mood stabilizers such as lithium.
• Psychotherapy. The purpose of this counseling is to help sufferers understand their disease, determine targets, and control daily problems associated with the disease. Therapy can also be done as a family to help other family members support and assist people with schizoaffective disorders.
• Ability training: Usually focused on work and social skills, the ability to take care of themselves, and daily activities such as managing finances and the household.
• Hospitalization: When psychotic symptoms recur, the patient may need to be hospitalized, especially if there is a risk of suicide or if he threatens to harm others.

Lifestyle changes

What can a person with schizoaffective disorder do?

The following lifestyle changes can help make it easier for those of you who live with schizoaffective disorder:

• Learn more about your illness. The more you know, the more likely you are to be disciplined with the medication prescribed by the doctor.
• Watch for "warning signs". Find out what triggers your symptoms to recur. Make a plan what to do when that happens. Contact your doctor or therapist as necessary, to prevent symptoms from getting worse.
• Join support group . Reasoning with fellow sufferers can help you better cope with your illness.
• Stay away from drugs, cigarettes and alcohol. These three things can worsen symptoms or interfere with the action of medications.

Please consult your doctor for more information.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment.